In a successful tournament year for EDGA, the final quartet of EDGA Tour events for 2026 will all play a key role in encouraging more G4D (golf for the disabled) players into the game.
The EDGA Tour Giovanni Nasi held in Turin in early October is set to welcome players from 14 nations at one of Italy’s most historic and prestigious venues, which staged the DP World Tour’s DS Automobiles 83° Open d’Italia this year.
A swathe of players will then journey to compete in three final back-to-back EDGA Tour events in Portugal in November where they will experience memorable tournament opportunities with expected Autumn sunshine at some of the Algarve’s most picturesque golf courses.
EDGA (the European Disabled Golf Association) is a major supporter of the global G4D player pathway that enables people with a disability to enjoy golf – from their very first experiences to learning the game, regular play and competition, including up to an elite level – for example, on the EDGA Tour and pinnacle events such as The G4D Open (staged by The R&A and the DP World Tour), and the EGA European Championships.
The EDGA Tour is significant: in the spotlight among more than 100 EDGA endorsed, supported or organised tournaments each year, all creating new opportunities for players from across the spectrum of disabilities – physical, sensory and intellectual. These events are highly competitive in nature but three divisions of Gross, Net and Stableford scoring cater for all abilities from +/scratch to 36.
The results have been encouraging. Between 2022 and 2026, combined World Ranking for Golfers with Disability entries rose by 42.8% (1,199 to 1,712), while the number of events across the calendar year increased by 43.2% (from 88 to 126). Over the same period, participation in the (Gross) Ranking increased by 70.4%, while participation in the (Net) Ranking rose by 41%.
Manon Eggermont, EDGA Head of Tournaments, said: “The key elements of any EDGA Tour event include having that fantastic mix of competitive opportunity right from the first tee shot, alongside a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for players of all abilities, especially someone coming along to play for the first time.
“This philosophy reflects very well on all the players, the volunteers who support, and the staff at all the venues that stage these events. The high standard of organisation on the EDGA Tour and that of the competition on the fairways and greens acts as a showcase for what can be achieved by those players who have a desire to compete in tournaments.”
A ‘wonderful celebration’ in Italy
The EDGA Tour Giovanni Nasi & Arval Argent International Cup by Lions International Distribution (October 1-2) will welcome more than 40 players from the Continent of Europe, GB&I but also from Argentina and Mexico. Played at the famous Circolo Golf Torino ‘La Mandria’, the venue has also staged national championships, the European Championship, and is the home of Ryder Cup stars Edoardo and Francesco Molinari.
Italian G4D player Alessandra Donati said: “Golf Torino La Mandria is a beautiful but demanding course, renowned for its exceptionally fast greens. The EDGA Tour Giovanni Nasi International will once again be a wonderful celebration of golf and a great opportunity to reunite with friends. I look forward to welcoming all the international players to Italy and sharing this very special event with them.”
Three classic Algarve venues await players
After the excitement of Italy, the action turns to the Algarve, and three tournaments run entirely by EDGA, featuring its team of volunteers that will include local golf enthusiasts as scorers, caddies, ball spotters and more.
The EDGA Tour Salgados (November 16-17) takes place at the characterful gem of the Salgados course found on the flatlands beside the sun-kissed beaches of Praia de Galé. This is the first time this tournament has been staged here and the high quality of the venue has created much interest.
Carol Grinnell of England said she was “very excited to be playing” at Salgados. Discovering EDGA events two years ago had offered her “new horizons” in competition; Carol will be lining up in a field of 57 players.
Meanwhile, the EDGA Tour Algarve Open (November 20-21) has become a hugely popular and meaningful G4D tournament for the shared history for the players and the warm welcome given to every golfer by the competitors, many of whom have been entering the event since it was first staged in 2014 through a partnership between the Algarve Tourism Association and EDGA. For 2026, 79 players from 20 countries will tee it up at Pestana Vila Sol.
Richard Kluwen of The Netherlands is a regular competitor here. He said: “Vila Sol is full of happy memories for so many of us. A challenging course, and the hotel is on the course full of good friends and with the good weather – we hope!”
Mehmet Kazan, from Turkey, is another who loves playing here. “I’m really excited to return,” he said, for an event that he describes as “inclusive and truly admirable”.
Last but not least, the EDGA Tour Senior Benamor (November 25-26), will welcome highly talented players aged over 50. Benamor is known for its individual appeal as a unique playing experience and is a fitting venue to end the 2026 EDGA Tour.
Mike Jones of Wales will be going for a historic hat-trick of Gross titles at Benamor and says he “loves the tournament, from the challenge of this unique course to the atmosphere among all the players, staff and volunteers organised by the EDGA team”.
Anyone who has a disability, or knows someone who does, is encouraged to visit during these tournaments. EDGA representatives will be on hand to explain how individuals can get involved, try golf for the first time, and begin their own journey in the sport.
Meanwhile, EDGA Tour events are being scheduled for the 2027 season with more details published soon at www.edgagolf.com.
EDGA seeks to change the lives of people with disability through the power of golf and works with 50 national golf federations in this aim. Supporters of EDGA include The R&A, the European Tour Group, PING, and Srixon.